User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL

Date Reviewed: September 17, 2003

Strengths: Easy to use. Easy to clean. The bladder conveniently turns inside out for cleaning. You don’t have to purchase special brushes or hangers to clean and dry the bladder. Wide opening at the top makes filling a breeze. There is no need for specially shaped ice cube trays or funnels for adding powders. It is very durable. I have endoed a couple of times landing directly on the pack and it hasn’t leaked a drop. I used it on a 200 mile ride last year and had enough room to cary everything I needed (support vehicle carried luggage). If you need to carry alot with you, the weight of a plastic zipper is not a big deal.

Weaknesses: The bite valve (older model with blue mouthpiece) was a big problem shortly after I purchased it. I replaced it with a different type of valve and it has worked great since. Also, I have the older model (2001/2002???) and I would like to have a quickly accessible medium sized pocket in addition to the huge compartment and deep pockets that my version has. The 2003 model has added such storage.

Bottom Line:

The Hydrapak Overflow is a great pack that is comfortable to wear, has good storage space, is durable, and is priced very competitively.

Weaknesses: bladder is awkward at best. also, the top pinches shut and makes it difficult to clean.

Bottom Line:

While the pack holds a good bit of gear, food, and water, the bladder is difficult to clean. However, it doesn't leak. Also, while the zippers down the sides allow the user to increase the effective holding capacity of the pack, it just adds unnecessary weight.

Weaknesses: That damn bite valve that you use your tounge to push leaks really badly. but called price point had a replacement bite valve in a weeks time. also hydrapak was willing to replace it at no cost

Bottom Line:

its great for the money. i have had no problems other then the bite valve which is fixed so there are no problems. i have used it for everything from riding to playing disc golf with my buddies. id rather pay for this and get the same quality that you get from a camelbak.

Strengths: -Holds ample amount of fluid-Stylish appearance-Plenty of room for items such as power bar, spare tube, keys-Price (great value)

Weaknesses: None to speak of now (explained below)

Bottom Line:

This review is actually a follow up to a previous one. I have used this product for quite some time and although the leaky valve was not a major issue, it was still an issue. I must say that speaking with a representative at Hydrapak, they were willing to do whatever it took to rectify the situation. This great customer service is one other reason that I would recommend buying Hydrapak products over other brands. I know have a product that is not equal but better than their competitors and at a much better price making this product an exceptional value.

As stated in my earlier review, this product deserves 5 chilis in both value and overall rating, but their customer service/support is exceptional which completes the package and makes Hydrapak and exceptional purchase.

(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated, nor do I work for Hydrapak. I am just very pleased that for once, I bought a product that a company is willing to stand behind and make right.)

Submitted by
Sebastien
a Cross Country Rider
from Boisbriand,QC,Canada

Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002

Strengths: lot of watter 2.75 leasy fit off staps the bag does not move in enny ryding positionlot of space to bring pump,power bars,emergency kit etc.can compress when you have minimun watter and stuff

Weaknesses: the valve was leaking at the begening but stoped by it selfafter a while

Bottom Line:

I was allwais running out of watter on rides longer than an hour now I never goes without it even when I do hiking

Strengths: -Holds enough water and tools to go all day-Fits good-Chest & Waist straps help distribute the weight

Weaknesses: -Leaky Bite Valve

Bottom Line:

This is a great pack. I had a HydraPak Delta but I found that it didn't have enough room for all my junk. I bought the Overflow and now I can carry enough for all my big epics and its light enough to use on shorter rides ( but I still carry a bottle and small seatbag on short, under 15km, rides). My only complaint is that the bite valve did leak but this was easily fixed by taking my old one frommy Delta and putting it on the Overflow, now it kicks ass. Forget CamelBak, save some $$$ and get a HydraPak.

Strengths: Good value, quality, holds lots of water and easy to clean.

Weaknesses: Valve leaked

Bottom Line:

I too had a gulp valve that constantly leaked even if it was locked. I noticed on their web site that they had a new bite valve and emailed them to see if I could get a new one as the old valve leaked. They promptly sent me the new bite valve which is much better than the gulp valve. It doesn't leak and I find it much easier to drink out of. Instead of pushing that thing in with your tongue, you simply bite the valve and it delivers lots of water.

The valve design is poor. The spring-loaded plunger is inside a plastic housing that may not be sealed very well. I know how to lock the valve (I can read), but it still leaks. I own 2 different hydra-pak, one went about 6 months before leaking, the other leaked from day one. Hydra-pak has another type of bite valve that you can order for about $10. But now you are approaching CamelBak prices.The paks are just as good, if not better, as any on the market. And the bladder is a whole lot easier to clean than a CamelBak’s, but the leaking problem just can’t be overlooked

Strengths: Price, ease of use. Easy to clean. Adequate storage. Bite valve works well. Back is molded to allow air to flow. Great warranty service. Good waist and chest strap, which are both removable.

Weaknesses: Short tube.

Bottom Line:

Great pak. I've had zero problems with the bite valve leaking. Hyrdapak has a great lifetime warranty. This pak was actually a warrantied pak for my previous one that had a tearing strap. I also have recently received a new bladdder as my old one leaked. I ride 2- 3 times a week for 1-5 hours per ride. The pak has held up great and if I experience any future problems, I will simply send it back and get a replacement pak per the lifetime warranty. You can not go wrong especially for the current price of about $25. I would have given the overall rating less than a 5, but since the company is great about replacing items, I gave a 5.

Do not buy this product if you need to have the trendy name brand, however, if you want value, this is the pack for you. This is a great product and can't be beat for the price. As stated in product weaknesses, the valve does leak a little but not enough to cause concern. Others have mentioned that you can replace the bite valve with one from camelback but the problem is not really big enough to warrant that. All in all this is a great product and I have no reservations on recommending this pack.

The pack design is great. I prefer the open top closure to the camel back hole with plug setup. Pockets are usable and effecient. Price was great. The spring loaded valve moves water better than other designs I've tried.

Weaknesses: Poor Design:No bite valve: you must press in a button with your teeth or tongue that makes it very difficult to drink while on single track.Filling: inconvienent as hell! No pump pocket or straps.Bottom fed tubing that is difficult to arrange for easy drinking.Lacks clips and other devices to route the tube close to your mouth.

Bottom Line:

I thought 33 bucks how can I go wrong? Cheap price, but the trade-offs are not worth it. Save your money until you can afford a better designed product. I am very dissatisfied with this product. I purchased this at Colorado Cyclist.comthey refuse to take it back because there are no "manufacturer Defects." I recommend buying from REI, Performance or any other shop that would treat their customers better.